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This area is said to be
the birthplace of ancient Izumo culture as many old shrines and burial mounds
are located here. The observation platform on the roof of the centrally
located archeological museum provides a sweeping view of the patchwork of
remains on the Ou Plain and the site of the ancient capital. Directly in
front of the platform lie Mt. Chausu, which the people of ancient Izumo
worshipped as the home of the gods, and Nakaumi Lagoon. To the east, the
magnificent peak of Mt. Daisen is visible in the distance. The archeological
museum houses a collection of artifacts gathered from areas throughout Shimane
prefecture. These artifacts date from the Stone Age, through the Jomon (BC8,000
- BC200), Yayoi (BC300 - AD300), and Kofun (AD300 - AD700) periods, to the
Ritsuryo (AD660 - late 12th Century) Period. The Fudoki Botanical Gardens
are also located on the museum grounds. The botanical gardens currently
contain a collection of 93 clarified flora varieties from among the many
varieties described in the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki (Chronicle of Izumo Province). |
